Spinal Cord compression

Cervical stenosis is the narrowing of the central canal of the Cervical spine, which passes the Cervical Spinal Cord. This abnormality can result in Cervical myelopathy, which is the symptomatic compression of the spinal cord in the cervical spine.

Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy

• Symptoms related to spondylotic degeneration of the neck;
• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

Symptoms related to compression of the Spinal Cord and nerves

• Weakness in the arms and hands
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
• Clumsiness and poor coordination of the hands
• Difficulty handling small objects, like pens or coins
• Balance issues

Is pain a reliable indicator of cervical myelopathy?

Many people experience neck pain, but not all are due to Cervical stenosis or myelopathy. Furthermore, some patients have significant cervical myelopathy and spinal cord dysfunction without complaining of neck pain.

Make an appointment if you are suffering from persistent neck pain or have any symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction, even in the absence of neck pain.

Other Causes of Cervical Myelopathy

• The ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) - Gradual hardening and thickening of the internal ligament of the spine resulting in spinal cord compression.
• Rheumatoid arthritis of the neck
• Whiplash injury or other cervical spine trauma
• Rarely Spinal infection or Spinal tumors

Diagnosis

• Physical examination of the cervical spine and general neurological examination, including spinal cord functional assessment.
• MRI scan, an X-ray and CT scan of your neck.
• Neurophysiological Tests are electrical tests to measure the electrical function and integrity of the spinal cord and related nerves.